Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus lateralis) are day active and often are seen around campgrounds and picnic areas at higher elevations around Las Vegas. The head and shoulders are reddish-golden (hence the "golden mantle"), and there is some reddish on the flanks and tail. Except for an white eyering, the face is unmarked, a characteristic that separates Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels from chipmunks. The middle of the back and the belly are gray, and the sides are marked with black and white stripes. The black on the sides is dark black; compare with Cascade Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels.

Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels are medium-sized ground squirrels. The head and body are about 6-8 inches long, and with a 4-inch tail, they have a total length of 10-12 inches.